Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I am interested in serving on the TEMSEA Board of Directors because of my long-standing commitment to both EMS and education as well as my desire to help strengthen the future of our profession across Tennessee. With over 31 years of experience in EMS working with the same agency, I have seen firsthand how the field has evolved, along with the ongoing challenges agencies face‚ particularly in areas such as workforce development, employee retention, funding, and sustainability.

In addition to my EMS background, my training as a licensed elementary school teacher and my masters degree in nonprofit management have given me a unique perspective on education, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. I understand the importance of developing people, building strong systems, and approaching challenges with both strategic thinking and practical solutions. The ability to teach in-house EMT classes has been key to maintaining our staffing levels, and the quality of that education directly affects our organizations ability to provide services to our community at the highest level. I believe the education our states providers receive is incredibly important to the services they will work for, and I want to do my best to promote EMS education across the state and in my Region 1 area.

I believe TEMSEA plays a vital role in advocating for EMS and supporting agencies across the state. I would value the opportunity to contribute my experience, collaborate with other leaders, and help advance initiatives that support providers and improve the delivery of emergency medical services. Serving on this board would allow me to give back to a profession that has been such an important part of my life while helping to shape its future in a meaningful way.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I am seeking the Region One Board Member position with the Tennessee EMS Educators Association because I am passionate about strengthening EMS education and supporting the educators who shape the next generation of providers. My experience in both curriculum development and classroom instruction has given me a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing EMS education in our region, and I am eager to contribute at a leadership level.

I have had the privilege of assisting in the development of a mental health curriculum, as well as contributing to an advanced ventilator-focused medic curriculum. These projects have reinforced the importance of forward-thinking, evidence-based education that reflects the realities of modern prehospital care. I am committed to ensuring that our educational programs not only meet current standards but anticipate future needs in the field.

Since beginning my teaching journey at Northeast State Community College, I have discovered a true passion for education and mentorship. I strive to create an engaging and supportive learning environment that prepares students not just to pass exams, but to think critically, adapt under pressure, and provide high-quality patient care. Teaching has become more than a role for me, it is a responsibility to continuously improve both myself and the systems that prepare EMS professionals.

As a Region One Board Member, I would work to represent the voices of local educators, promote collaboration across programs, and help identify opportunities for growth and innovation. I am particularly interested in expanding access to resources, encouraging instructor development, and supporting the integration of topics such as mental health awareness, advanced airway management, and simulation-based training.

I believe strong communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence are essential to advancing EMS education. I am eager to bring my perspective, energy, and dedication to this role, while also learning from fellow educators across the state. I

It would be an honor to serve Region One and contribute to the continued advancement of EMS education in Tennessee.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I would love the opportunity to serve Region 2 as part of the TNEMSEA Board. I believe that educating the members in our field only makes us better care providers for our patients and our communities. I have been an instructor for over 20 years. The past 14 years I have devoted my time to Initial EMT training and continuing education. I have an extremely high pass rate for EMT and AEMT.  Learning should be fun and interactive. I am in my 10th year as AHA Faculty at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in ACLS, PALS an CPR. I also hold Instructor Certifications with NAEMT. If elected, I look forward to serving on the board and serving you.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I have been actively supporting TEMSEA since 2021, initially assisting the board in an unofficial capacity with conference planning, registration, and other organizational needs. Through that involvement, I developed a strong commitment to TEMSEA’s mission and the advancement of EMS education across Tennessee.

Shortly thereafter, I became more formally involved as a TEMSEA Ambassador and began serving as co-chair of the Ambassador Committee, now recognized as the Membership Committee. In this role, I have focused on strengthening member engagement through ambassador opportunities, expanding outreach, and supporting initiatives that connect EMS educators and providers with the resources they need to succeed.

My commitment to the mission of TEMSEA led me to pursue additional training within EMS. I attended EMT school and obtained my EMR Instructor/Coordinator certification with the specific goal of better serving the TEMSEA Board and supporting EMS education initiatives. This step allowed me to deepen my understanding of EMS education, the challenges educators face, and the evolving needs of the EMS workforce.

I was recently honored to be nominated and elected as the At-Large 4 member of the TEMSEA Board of Directors, where I have served on the Governance, Membership, and Conference Committees. While I may be a newer EMS provider, I have been an advocate for the EMS community for many years. I am passionate about supporting educators, strengthening professional collaboration, and ensuring that EMS providers across Tennessee have access to high-quality education and resources. I am deeply committed to continuing to serve the TEMSEA membership and helping the organization grow, evolve, and remain a strong voice for EMS education.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I am interested in serving on the TEMSEA Board of Directors because I am committed to strengthening EMS education, leadership, and provider development across East Tennessee. Throughout my career, I have focused on building strong systems that support frontline providers and improve patient care.

I currently serve as a Division Chief and EMS Program Director and am actively involved in EMS education at the high school and college levels. In these roles, I oversee training programs, ensure compliance, develop curriculum, and mentor EMTs and paramedics. This experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges facing EMS agencies, educators, and providers.

I am passionate about professional development and collaboration. Through my work with regional training programs and events such as the Secret City EMS Expo, I have seen how shared resources and strong partnerships can elevate our profession. Serving on the TEMSEA Board would allow me to expand this impact.

I bring strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, along with a commitment to integrity and accountability. I am seeking this position to give back to the profession and help ensure TEMSEA continues to provide meaningful education, advocacy, and support for EMS providers across Tennessee. I would be honored to serve.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I had the pleasure of working for four different EMS systems, one that had 6,000 calls per month and was part of Tactical  EMS, bike and events team. I have aĺso been an FTO for the last 10 years, been a preceptor, an assistant instructor for EMT and paramedic classes in both North Carolina and Tennessee. I love to teach and work on strengthening our ranks to make the service better an am passionate about developing folks which helps with retention. Would love the opportunity to help shape the future of EMS in our great state of Tennessee and work on  resources to be available for our provides, like mental health accessibility,  taking the taboo out of it.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

As a current board member, I would like the opportunity to continue to propel EMS Education into excellence by continuing on the board. I have been in EMS for about 30 years and an EMS educator for over 10 years. In addition to this background, I also bring the unique experience in audio and visual equipment and operation, helping to improve the conference experience. I will do my best to help propel EMS and EMS education toward excellence.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

Ladies and gentlemen of Region 8, I am seeking your support in re-election to the TEMSEA Board. While on the board I have played active roles in the annual TEMSEA Conference, supported Learning Abroad opportunities and have represented this state and organization nationally as a speaker to several national level conferences. I have maintained support of education in this state and wish to continue to do so. I strive to improve membership benefits and wish to grow educational opportunities within the state as well, with your support, I can continue to do that.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

With extensive experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic Educator in both Ohio and with the Memphis Fire Department, I am eager to contribute to the future of EMS education as the Region 8 Board Member. My approach centers on moving beyond traditional instruction toward immersive, high-impact learning. In 2025, I collaborated with the continuing education team to develop refresher training that delivered over 21,000 hours of EMS education.

I specialize in creating engaging, skills-integrated environments, having spearheaded the AEMT Readiness Program and developed innovative tools such as EMS Refresher Escape Rooms and Cardiac Relay Refreshers. As a practicing Community Paramedic, I am particularly passionate about bridging the gap between clinical excellence and social determinants of health. My goal on the Board is to leverage these creative methodologies to foster a more informed, versatile provider workforce that is uniquely prepared to serve Tennessee’s diverse populations.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I have had the opportunity of being part of the TEMSEA organization as either a board member or ambassador since October of 2019. This organization has contributed to my growth personally, professionally, as a provider and educator. I recognize that I have been able to grow in those areas thanks to the number of people who have poured into me over the years within the organization. This is exactly what I want to contribute to other educators and the future educators of Tennessee EMS. I am enormously proud to be a part of this organization, and I want to continue my journey of serving on the board. I currently hold the region two board member position, but I am seeking the at-large four board position. Serving with this organization has been a privilege and I would like to continue doing so. I have found a passion in assisting in the Tn State IC courses created and delivered by TEMSEA over the last few years. This aligns with my intent to serve and empower the next generation of TN EMS educators, and I would love to continue to live that out with the organization.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I am interested in serving on the TEMSEA Board because I believe EMS education in Tennessee must continue evolving to meet the growing demands of our profession. Through my experience overseeing multiple levels of EMS training, I work daily with faculty, students, accreditation standards, and clinical partners. This gives me a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing educators across our state.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Research and am passionate about strengthening evidence-based practice and research literacy within EMS education. I believe TEMSEA has a vital role in supporting collaboration among programs, mentoring educators, and promoting innovation while maintaining strong educational standards.

In an At-Large role, I would bring collaboration, administrative experience, and a commitment to advancing EMS education statewide for the benefit of our students, providers, and ultimately the patients we serve.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I would like to be apart of helping TN EMS education grow for current and future EMS Providers and Instructors. I hope to be a positive resource for instructors and students alike as we move forward. I have been an I/C for the last 20 years. I started teaching EMR(first Responder) as I grew as an instructor I moved my way into EMT, AEMT and Paramedic Skills Instructor.  In my current role I started and oversee a service based EMT-B and AEMT program.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

I am interested in serving on the TEMSEA Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about advancing the field of EMS education and ensuring that all EMS providers  have access to quality training. With my extensive experience as a paramedic instructor coordinator, NAEMT instructor, and having established a NAEMT Training center and AHA training site, I believe I have the qualifications and knowledge to contribute effectively to the board.

I have successfully taught numerous AEMT and EMT Basic courses in initial and continuing education, where my students have excelled and gone on to successful careers in EMS. I am dedicated to helping students who are struggling to pass the NREMT exam and I always strive to encourage further education and professional development in others.

My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in EMS administration and a Master's degree in emergency services management, which has equipped me with the necessary skills to understand the challenges facing the EMS education system and develop innovative solutions. Additionally, my experience as a critical care paramedic has given me firsthand insight into the demands of the field and the importance of quality education.

I believe that my combination of practical experience, educational background, and passion for EMS education make me a strong candidate for the TEMSEA Board of Directors. I am committed to making a positive impact and contributing to the continued growth and improvement of EMS education in Tennessee.

Why are you interested in joining the TEMSEA Board of Directors?

Beginning in 1985 as an "Ambulance Driver" for Old Capitol Ambulance at the age of 17 in Coralville, IA, I became an EMT-A at age 18 and received my paramedic education from University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics EMSLRC under Doug York at the age of 19 in 1987. I have served in a number of capacities within the EMS Industry to include Civil Service, Private, Industrial, Hospitality, Education & Administrative roles.

I am currently in my 10th year serving with Montgomery County EMS in Region 5, and a paramedic IC, currently teaching at APSU in Clarksville.

I served on the Region 5 Director's Board, under the tutelage of Dwight Davis, for 9 yrs, a member of the Advisory Board for Southeastern Institute Paramedic Program, and a member of the State Task Force for Community Paramedicine during the tenure of Donna Tidwell.

As I near the end of my active field operations career, it is my hope to transition, serving in a full-time educational role to "pay it forward" to the next generation of EMS Providers & Educators.

Over the last 5 yrs as an EMS Instructor for both Vol State & APSU, my passion for educating future & current EMS professionals has only grown, and I look forward with great anticipation to continuing to be of service, now in the final decade of my lifelong career.